1 Chronicles 29:10-22

Context:

David is at the end of his life and, though he will not build the temple himself (29:1), he has gathered the resources and the nation for its construction, paving the way for the kingdom to continue to grow and glorify God into the next generation. In this public moment of generosity, he leads Israel in prayer, reminding them that everything they give already belongs to God.


Read 1 Chronicles 29:10-22

10 Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 15 For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.[e] 16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. 18 O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. 19 Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.”

20 Then David said to all the assembly, “Bless the Lord your God.” And all the assembly blessed the Lord, the God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and paid homage to the Lord and to the king. 21 And they offered sacrifices to the Lord, and on the next day offered burnt offerings to the Lord, 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. 22 And they ate and drank before the Lord on that day with great gladness.

Verses 10–12

  1. What words does David use to describe God in verses 10–12? What picture of God emerges?

  2. Why do you think David begins with God’s greatness and his role as owner of all things in heaven and earth, before speaking about generosity?

  3. How ought viewing money as God’s first, that we only steward, shape how you think about spending, saving, investing, or giving?

  4. Do you instinctively think of money as mostly yours or mostly God’s? How can you tell?

Verses 14–17

The word translated ‘Freely’ in the ESV or “willingly” in the NIV carries the idea of voluntary, wholehearted giving, not under pressure or compulsion.

  1. Verse 17 says God “tests the heart and has pleasure in uprightness.” Why do you think God cares so much about the motive behind giving?

  2. Why is God honoured more by generosity that is given ‘freely’ (v17) than reluctant obligation?

  3. What tends to produce reluctance in giving, or giving feeling more like an obligation than a Joy?

  4. When you reflect on your giving (time, money, energy), what does it reveal about your heart posture?

  5. What would need to change in your thinking for your generosity to feel more willing and joyful?

Verses 18–22

  1. Why does David pray for God to preserve this heart posture in the people (v18)?

  2. What does he pray specifically for Solomon in verse 19? What kind of heart does he want for the next generation?

  3. Verse 22 says they ate and drank “with great gladness.” Why do you think generosity leads to joy in this passage?

    Apply

  1. Do you associate generosity with joy? Why or why not?

  2. How have you seen your attitude toward giving reveal something deeper about your trust in God?

  3. What is one way you could become more intentional with being generous towards God’s purposes?

    Pray